Propulsion

Propulsion involves the study of the basic operation and design of aerospace propulsion devices, including both air-breathing engines and rocket powerplants. The gas dynamics of internal flows, thermodynamics, and combustion processes associated with those devices are discussed in detail. Engine components such as inlets, pumps, and/or compressors, combustion chambers, turbines, and nozzles are investigated. Various air-breathing engines such as turbojets, turbofans, ramjets, turboprops, and scramjets are treated. Rocket propulsion systems, including solid rocket motors; liquid rocket engines; hybrid rockets; and nuclear, electric, and advanced nonchemical systems are also covered.

Our research focuses on hypergolic propellant ignition and combustion through system level testing and advanced diagnostic techniques and research and development of novel hydrogen storage and heat harvesting systems and materials for a variety of applications, including automotive, aerospace, and stationary power. A major emphasis is on novel hypergolic propellant combinations.